I'm interested in using sponge balls for a multiplying balls effect a la Finn Jon. I know you can buy sponge tennis balls but I'm looking for something that looks more like rubber "bouncy" balls which I use in other routines. Sort of a glossy plastic finish. I'm considering painting the sponges with latex paint, then finding rubber balls which fit the shell and painting them with the same stuff. What do you think, would the finish look smooth enough?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

- Andrew

Bill HegbliEternal Order
Fort Wayne, Indiana
21829 Posts

Posted: Mar 3, 2015 07:06 pm

0

I would not use the Super Soft sponge balls to attempt this, as they would just go out of shape. Maybe you could consider the tool handle dip sold at hardware stores. It is suppose to run smooth over the handles of tools to make a rubber like covering. Don't know if it would be to think for sponge balls, ever the older kind.

I would be much easier to just buy the sponge tennis balls and make a gimmick out of a real tennis ball, but if you have the time and money to throw at your idea, let us know if you were successful.

Vietnam Veteran 1967, Sgt. E-5

Graduate of Chavez College of Prestidigitation and Showmanship

"Magic With A Twist Of Comedy"

jimgerrishInner circle
East Orange, NJ
3030 Posts

Posted: Mar 4, 2015 05:53 am

1

Are you aware that you can perform the multiplying balls without a shell, just with four or five solid balls? The moves for this were designed with real full-size billiard balls in mind, but it's so much easier with super balls, and the smaller balls also have better cling than smooth ivory billiard balls. Lewis Ganson is the name to seek out if interested in learning how it's done.

Jim, I am aware of the methods with solid balls. I just like the appearance of balls when Finn Jon does it with sponges. They seem to just grows in his hand... because they do.

Bill, great idea, I hadn't thought of tool handle dip but I know exactly what you're talking about. I have soft and normal sponges so I can try both.

To those with the sponge tennis balls, how compressible are they? I know that's hard to quantify... Finn Jon had routines where he could hide a couple in finger palm and several in a coffee cup. How about this - How many could you hide in a coffee cup? That my knew measurement of compressed sponge, haha.